Martin William Rugg

Martin William Rugg passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 20, 2025. He was born December 8, 1957 in Burlington, VT to Audrey (Hartigan) and Bernie Rugg. The seventh of 11 kids ("Kathy Tom Mike Jake Pat Marnie Martin Mary Matt Monica Carolyn"), Martin never met a crowd he didn't love. 

In 1982 he met the love of his life, Pam, at T. Rugg's Tavern in Burlington. It was a classic story: he, the bartender at his brother's bar, she, the college student out for her birthday. He proposed on the second date. After six years, she agreed to marry him, and they settled in Derry, NH. They raised three kids there before relocating to Salisbury, MA and Fremont, NH.

Martin thrived in community. He was an integral part of Special Olympics New Hampshire, coaching his son's basketball team and annually diving into the frigid Atlantic for the Penguin Plunge to raise money for the organization. He kept up long friendships with high school friends, his kids' teachers, and old neighbors. He loved nothing more than a long chat with someone he cared about, or a stranger he had just met. His long-standing poker game was a staple of the early 2000s in his Derry basement. In his time at UPS, he turned that love of community into an illustrious career as an account executive before his retirement countdown clock finally ran out in 2022.

Martin was a man who loved his family deeply and took great pride and joy in spending time with them and sharing in their accomplishments. His favorite activities included spending time at the beach, watching sports with his son, making gin and tonics for his family during happy hour, and playing with his two grandsons. His booming laugh was the centerpiece of every family gathering, and he loved holding court and telling stories to anyone who would listen.

He leaves behind a wife, Pam, three children, Abby Payeur, Brandon, and Ally Desjardins, two sons in law, Ben Payeur and Richard Desjardins, and two grandsons, Max and Leo Payeur. He will be greatly, immeasurably missed.

Family and friends may call from 3:00 to 6:00 PM on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. A Time of Remembrance will begin at 5:30. Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Special Olympics New Hampshire at https://www.sonh.org/ways-to-give/donate/

For direction or to offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com

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